Culture and History

The LAOH in Columbus 

The Franklin County Countess de Markievicz Division #1 was chartered in 1981 and named after the Irish patriot Countess Constance (Gore-Booth) de Markievicz. We are a small but dynamic group of women who enjoy working together to raise funds for charity and celebrating our faith and heritage.

We celebrate our Faith and our heritage in a variety ways. As lady Hibernians, we are required to receive Holy Communion between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday. We also hold a Memorial Mass for departed members at least once a year. We also observe five national holidays: St. Brigid’s Day February 1, St. Patrick's Day March 17, Independence Day July 4, Feast of Our Lady of Knock August 21 and the Feast of the Holy Innocents December 28.  These holidays are usually celebrated by members attending Mass at a local church and then breaking bread together at a nearby restaurant. 

In recent years, our division has supported a number of local charities and worthy causes––the Columbus Cancer Clinic, JOIN (Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs), The Salesians. We are a Community Partner of the Dublin Irish Festival. We support additional charities sponsored by the national LAOH.

Visit http://www.lissadellhouse.com/constance_history.php for some fascinating information about Constance Gore Booth and her early life at Lissadell House in County Sligo.